The American Intercedes 

. . . and ... 

SOUTHERN METHODS 




■I ■>?,Ub»o»lK»'S»t..U»»x t* ~ 






BY 



Raymond J. Martinez 






The American Intercedes 

AND 

Southern Methods 



BY 
TiaymondJ, ViCartinez 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE L. GRAHAM CO., LTD. 

430 COMMON STREET 

NEW ORLEANS 






^a^.^ 



'X^// 



Copyrighted 1916 

by 

Raymond J. Martinez 



i 







MAR 27 1916 

^GI.D 43454 



L CHARACTERS. 



Otho Whittelsbach, Member of the ''Kammer der 

Reiclisrate," or Upper House of Bavaria. 
Heg:^l, His son. 
WocH^ Member of the Home. 
ScHMOLLER, Member of the House. 
LuciLE, Whittelsbach's wife — a young French girl. 
William Packard, an American. 
Strange Woman. 
IviEL^ Whittelsbach's servant. 
Reber, Whittelsbach's house maid. 
Waiter. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES 



ACT I. 

Scene 1. 



Library in Otho Wliittelsbaclis home in Munich. A 
magnificently furnished room. The furniture is massive 
and austere. But the bright curtains and the large num- 
ber of pictures hanging on the walls give it a rather 
pecidiar appearance, and probably render^ it less at- 
tractive. 

Mrr Whittelsbach is seated near the fire, holding an 
unlit cigar in his hand. He is a small man, but he is 
graceful and has a dignified attitude. This, however, 
does not seem to help him, but tends to make him all the 
more overbearing. He is fifty years old, but there are 
only a few strands of grey hair in his head. Nor does 
his face show his age or show lines of any suffering — 
rather shows that he is self-indulgent. 

Lucile, his wife, is sitting quite a little distance away 
from him. She is a very pretty girl of eighteen — large 
brown eyes, white teeth, a fresh natural complexion, 
medium height, and rather slender. She does not look 
happy; in fact, it is quite evident that she is nervous 
and unhappy. 



6 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Wliittelsbacli — Lucile, come closer to me. Why do you 
sit so far away? 

LuciJe — (Starts as if somewhat friglitened) — I did not 
know. 

Whittelshach — But you must know. 

Lucile — You were not thinking of me. 

Wliittelsbacli — Ah, that makes no difference; you are 
jm wife. 

Lucile — You talk as though I am your slave. 

Whittelshach — But I do not act so. 

Lucile — (Suppressing anger) — Yes, you do. 

Whittelshach — I do not. 

Lucile — ^You do. 

Whittelshach — (Rising from his seat) — Do not con- 
tradict me. 

Lucile — Did I not say that you treated me as your 
slave? It is only slaves or servants who receive such 
orders. 

Whittelshach — Then every married woman is a slave. 

Lucile — ^Yes, in Germany, Austria, in all Teutonic 
countries. It is not so in the more civilized countries — 
France and x4merica ! 

Whittelshach — (Furioiis) — America ! America ! Do 
you mean to tell me that you think America civilized — 
do you mean to compare it w^ith Germany? 

Lucile — Why not? 

Whittelshach — You have been talking to that Ameri- 



THE AMERICAI^T INTERCEDES. 7 

can; you have been listening to his stories; he has cor- 
rupted you. I shall see him ! 

Lucile — (More collected now) — You will find him 
hard to conquer. 

Whittelshacli — How do you know? 

Lucile — Because. 

WhittelshacJi — Because what ? 

Lucile — Nothing more than the reason "because'"' 
should be required of a woman — especially in Bavaria. 

WhittelshacJi — Lucile, you are my wife and, as my 
right, I command that you never mention France or 
America to me again. I am a German and we are fight- 
ing that degenerate France, and soon it will be in our 
hands. 

Lucile — (Laughing scornfully) — Nonsense ! You are 
afraid to fight America — the United States. You can 
only defend 3^ourself against France because you have 
two or three times her number of men. Her soldiers are 
more valiant than yours. She has art, refinement, litera- 
ture. Ah! she is graced with polished manners and 
beauty ; she has the most remarkable history in the world. 
Her finery, her magnificence, her grandeur, her glory ! 
What has Germany? Science — a little coarse art — 
probably some good one, borrowed from France. Bavaria 
is overcrowded with breweries and professors. 

WhittelshacJi — (His rage increasing — looJcs as though 
lie could tear Jier to pieces) — Leave the room! 



8 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Lucile — Very well, my Lord. (Walks out.) 

(Whittelshach malces an effort, but cannot contain his 
rage. He takes a hook from the library table and throws 
it on the floor, and kicks a chair over. While he is in the 
midst of spending his temper on the books and chairs 
his son, Hegel, comes in.). 

Hegel — What are you doing — training for the circus 
or for battle? 

Whittelsbach — You impertinent wretch! 

Hegel — Being impertinent is being true to my country. 

Whittelsbach — What do you mean? 

Hegel — I mean that every native of this country is 
impertinent to women and all persons of less fortunate 
circumstances. 

Whittelsbach — You are an idiot — ^}^ou think that you 
can make common men great. 

Hegel — T cannot, but it could be — 

Whittelsbach — Talk is cheap — talk is easy, you know. 

Hegel — I shall act ; you shall see. 

Whittelsbach — I shall see you make a fool of yourself. 

Hegel — You may think me a fool, but that will not 
make me one. 

Whittelsbach — (Ironically)- — You get all of your ridic- 
ulous ideas from your friend, the charming American. 

Hegel — Ah, the American is a man of soul, refine- 
ment, education — 

Whittelsbach — (Interrupting him) — And rolling in 
gold. x\lways after money — money! money! 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 9 

Hegel — No, always after success — success ! success ! 
The Americans think more of their success in what they 
are doing than they do of the money in it. It is their 
pride that makes them work — their dread of failure. 
They are a proud people. 

Whittelshach — You are a disappointment to me, boy. 

(William Pachard comes in. He is a tall, fine-looMng 
fellow. Large grey eyes, a large, firm mouth, hrown 
hair — extremely handsome. He gives the appearance of 
one who affects to he happy to conceal some sorrow. 
When self-conscious, he smiles and seems happy, hut at 
other times he is melancholy. Altogether, he is unusually 
prepossessing. He has the Bostonian accent — that pure 
intonation.) 

William — How are you all this evening ? 

Hegel — Excellent, my good friend — I mean my fine 
friend. 

Whittelshach — (Coldly) — I am quite well, I thank you. 

William — But you do not look quite well, Mr. Whit- 
telshach. 

Whittelshach — But I am. 

Hegel — He is not. He has been in a fit of temper 
over something — throwing chairs over and books on the 
floor. 

Whittelshach — (To Hegel) — I command you to keep 
quiet. 

Hegel — Your command will not be obeyed. 

William — I pray, Hegel, do not treat your father so. 



10 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Hegel — Then why should he treat me so? 

Whittelshach — The boy is hardly sane, I believe, my 
dear Mr. Packard. 

Hegel — Yes, the boy has his right mind, I assure yon, 
my dear Mr. Packard. Father, my dear friend, is in a 
rage, and cannot contain his anger because he realizes 
that he has made a bad bargain in the young slave he 
bought. She will not be a slave ; she will be nothing but 
a wife — an American wife ! She has American blood, I 
believe. 

(William looks horrified.) 

Whittelshach — (Furious) — You young wretch I 
(.Strikes his son and leaves the room.) 

Hegel — William, I will go to America — to America, 
where one has liberty, where one does not live for the 
Emperor, live to worship the Emperor's feet. My father 
has despised me since I refused to serve in the army — 
because I would not be a tool for the Emperor to kill 
men with, because I would not be one of his murderers. 
Why can we not live like other people ? — free, free to do 
as we please ! 

William — How is Lucile, Hegel? 

Hegel — Not happy, William. 

Williaiyi — Ask her to come in. 

Hegel — Very well; I'll stay in the hall and watch 
father. If I see him coming this way I will come in and 
you may go into the next room. It is my room. He will 
not suspect. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 11 

William — But, Hegel, that is not right. 

Hegel — It cannot be wrong to make that poor girl 
happy for a few moments. 

(Kiely the servant, comes in. He is an ugly man — 
ahout forty years old. He is half English, hut loohs very 
much like the Germans.) 

Kiel — I am here to say, sir, that Mr. Woch is outside 
and wishes to know if Mr. Whittelsbach is at home. 

Hegel — Tell him no. 

(Kiel goes out.) 

William — What a daredevil you are, Hegel. 

Hegel^Just wait a minute, William, I'll call Lucile. 
The cross old man is in his room. 

(Hegel goes out. Lucile comes in.) 

William — (Takes her hand in both of his, presses it) — 
I am so glad to see you ! 

Lucile — Thank you. 

William — Are you glad to see me? 

Lucile — You know that I am. 

William — But I like to hear you tell me so. 

Lucile — Can we not leave this place ? Oh ! I am so 
unhappy ! I shall go with you any place on any terms. 

William — Don't say that. I would not have it. 

Lucile — But I cannot endure this any longer. 

William — Would he not divorce you? 

Lucile — 'No, I am sure not. He paid a big price for 
me, you know. 

William — But he must have some pride. 



12 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Lucile — Pride ! How innocent you are. Do not judge 
him by yourself. Are all Americans like you? 

William — ]^ot all, fortunately for them, but their con- 
sideration for women is at least as kind, if that is what 
you mean. 

Lucile — (Advancing towards him) — Is it really true 
that you love me ? — or do you pity me ? 

Williajn — Well, pity is a degree of love, says Shake- 
speare. 

Lucile — ! but I am so miserable. Please be more 
kind to me. 

William — (Talcing her in his arms, passionately) — I 
understand you, my dear little girl. You want to live 
like others live — ^you want to love, you want to be loved ; 
you are in love with love, with freedom ; you want some 
one to be kind to you. I know, my poor little darling. 
But do not worry your dear little head. 

Lucile — (Pulling away from him abruptly; a woman 
is seen looTcing through the transom above the door) — 
Some one is watching us. We are suspected. ! heav- 
ens, what shall we do ! 

William — I saw no one. 

Lucile — I am sure there was some one at that door. 
(She points to the front door.) 

William — That is your imagination, my dear. 

Lucile — 0, what a prison ! (Shades her head.) 

William — Let happen what will. We'll make the best 
of it. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 13 

Liicile — It cannot be much worse. 

William — You have never really explained to me how 
you came to be here. 

Lucile — Well, it was this way : My mother comes of 
the higher classes in France. She had no money, and 
needed it, so Mr. Whittelsbach settled a certain sum of 
money on her when I was but sixteen. I married him 
at eighteen. The money was settled with that condition. 
I was sold. I cannot express it differently. 

William — Yes, I know. Marriage in France is little 
more than a mercenary bargain, 

Lucile — It is a custom ; but what an inhuman custom I 

William — (Fondly clasping her to his heart) — What 
is the world outside to us, my love? What matters it, 
with all its changes of time and tide; what matters its 
customs, its laws, its wars, its governments? What can 
it all matter to us ? The time will come for us to leave, 
for me to take you from this prison — why not now ? Ah ! 
I am tempted to break the chain of conventionality at 
this moment ! 

Lucile — I know that I am a frail woman, but is it less 
cowardly to stay and bear him than it is to fly ? Either 
one takes more courage than I have. 

William — Let me decide, my love ; let me make plans. 
I shall take the matter upon myself — do not worry your 
dear little self. 

Lucile — I know; you are chivalry itself. But this is 
too much — too much. 



14 THE AMERICAN" INTERCEDES. 

William — Go to bed and rest your weary mind, my 
dear. 

Lucile — Oh, I cannot rest, I cannot sleep; I cannot 
help but fear that we must part. This heaviness of heart 
will kill me. I feel a weight upon my conscience, and 
yet it should not be. I have not wronged any one. It 
is not my fault that I love you. (Weeping.) Can it be 
wrong to love at all? 

William — (Putting Jiis arm around her) — My dear, 
go to bed and rest. You have nothing to weigh upon 
your conscience. If God is just, He will forgive a lover 
anything. But go to bed. I shall settle this to-morrow. 

Lucile — (She kisses him, weeps hitterly and goes out) 
— Good-night. 

William — Good-night, my angel. (He opens the hall 
door and calls for Hegel.) Hegel, come on, my boy. 

Hegel — (Coming in hurriedly) — He saw it all. 

William — What do you mean? 

Hegel — Eeber was on guard. 

William — How did he see? 

Hegel — He has evidently suspected something for a 
long time. Eeber climbed up on a ladder and looked 
through the transom in the front door. She then ran 
hurriedly to his room and summoned him, and he fol- 
lowed her. It was too late for me to give you the alarm. 

William — But why didn't you give it, any way ? 

Hegel — Oh, I thought it best to let you two have it 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 15 

out. What good would it have done to interrupt you all ? 

William — ^Where is he? 

Hegel — In his room. He has sent for Woch and 
Schmoller. 

William — What does he mean? 

Hegel — He means to be as mean as possible. Yes, my 
dear William, as mean as you will let him be. 

William — Well, I am ready for him. You may ask 
him in now, Hegel, if you please. There is no advantage 
in waiting. 

Hegel — He will not deal with you single-handed. No, 
William, the matter will be put before a committee, and 
the brave committee will settle it with you. 

William — I see, Hegel, you have little regard for your 
father. 

Hegel — Has he an}^ for me? Did he not want me to 
go into the army and be shot, perhaps like a dog, for a 
cause in which I did not believe? Did he not try to 
force me to go? Why, he would turn me out to-morrow 
were it not for his fear that Munich will disapprove of 
it. He must pose as a loving father; he must give the 
impression that he is kind to me — all because he is 
afraid of public censure. Would you like that kind of 
affection ? 

William — No, Hegel, I would not. 

Hegel — I'll call him for you. (Goes out and returns 
promptly, with his father after him.) 

Whittelsbach — Very well, Mr. Packard ? 



16 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

William — I presume yoii have something to say to me. 

Whittelshach — If you are still in Bavaria to-morrow 
morning I shall meet you at my club at ten. 

William — I shall be on hand, sir, for I have no inten- 
tion of leaving Bavaria for at least several days. 

Whittelshach — Then I will see you to-morrow. I bid 
3'Ou good-night. 

(Curtain.) 



the american intercedes. 17 

Scene 2. 

A private room in the Munich Club. It is quite com- 
fortahly furnished, hut it appears to he rather dingy. It 
cannot he said that the furniture is austere and grand, 
for, while it is strong and substantial looking, it has a 
cheap appearance. 

Mr. Whittelshach, Mr. Woch, Mr. SchmoUer and Mr. 
Packard are all seated, smohing cigars. SchmoUer is a 
man of about thirty-five, and Woch is about sixty. 
SchmoUer is self-conscious and is extremely egotistical 
and rather vain about his looks, but he is about as homely 
as nature could make him. Woch has a long grey beard, 
which hides a weak chin, and adds to his dignity, since 
he alivays poses as an oracle. 

Woch — Mr. Packard, the purpose of this meeting is 
unpleasant, grave and serious. There is cause for us to 
take drastic measures, and ordinarily we would, but we 
cannot permit such a delicate matter as the oifense you 
have committed to become known, for it would cause 
the unkind world to cast reflections upon the dignity of 
our honorable friend, Mr. Whittelsbach. While persons 
who know him intimately would judge in his favor, 
others would entertain some doubt, perhaps. You should 
make arrangements to leave Munich at once, sir. 

Whittelshach — We insist that you make arrangements 
to leave at once, Mr. Packard. 



18 THE AMERICAN^ INTERCEDES. 

William — Very well ; what else have you to say ? 

Schmoller — Take your sentimental stuff back to 
America or take it to France. Had Mr. Whittelsbach 
been an American, sir, he would have shot you on the 
spot. 

William — I realize that I am fortunate that Germans 
do not think as much of women as Americans. 

Schmoller — We think of progress, honor, power ! 

William — (Ironically) — Yes, and we progress. We 
have honor and power, and we are still considerate of 
women. 

Wocli — We know that America is a remarkable coun- 
try, but we are not here at this moment to speak of 
America; we are liere to settle the offense of an Amer- 
ican. 

Wilham — (To Whittelsbach) — You do not care for 
the girl. Why do you not divorce her ? And, then, she 
does not care for you. 

Whittelsbach — How dare you, sir ! 

William — Oh, I see. You hate the French, and you 
torture this young lady as your revenge. I know this 
because you told her that you hated her, but you were 
going to keep her with you for that very reason — because 
you know she is in prison and loves freedom. 

(Kiel rushes in, very excited.) 

Kiel — (To Mr. Whittelsbach) — I must ask your in- 
dulgence, sir, but there is a strange woman at your home 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 19 

wi;o commands yon to return at once. Pardon me if I 
put it bluntly, but it is her exact message. 

Whittelshach — (Overcome, turns pale, lie almost 
faints, and then his face becomes crim,son) — Very well, 
you may go. (Kiel goes out.) 

Woch — (Looking quite uncomfortable) — All, these 
women ! Let us have a round of drinks. (He rings bell. 
A waiter enters,) Bring us all some beer, and be quick 
about it. 

SchmolJer — We might as well drink your troubles 
down with you, Mr. Woch. 
Woch — I have no troubles. 

Whittelsbach — Woch is the judge, always willing to 
help his friends. 

William — (Sarcastically) — He does seem to be the 
oracle of Munich. 

Woch — (Flattered in spite of himself) — Thank you, 
sir. 

(Waiter returns ivith drinks.) 

Waiter — (Serving the party) — You will find it nice 
and cold. (.Serves it hurriedly and goes out.) 

William — (Pushing his glass aside) — No, thank you, 
I do not care for it. 

(Hegel comes in, looking rather puzzled. Whittels- 
bach is very uncomfortable at the sight of his son, but 
effects calmness.) 

Hegel — Father, there is a most strange woman at the 



go THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

house. She looks like a German and she speaks English, 
French and German fluently. 

Whittelshach — I know ; Kiel told me. 

WocJi — (So nervous that his hand trembles terribly 
when he lifts the glass of beer to his mouth) — We must 
go immediately. Mr. Packard, we will see you to-morrow, 
if you please — at one. 

William — Very well. 

Schmoller — (Grunting) — Why have we such things 
as wom-cn? "Woman, thy name is frailty." Or, woman, 
thy name is evil, trouble, anything that's vile ! 

William — Eemember your mother. 

Schmoller — I know, she was a woman, too. 

Woch — Let us go. Good-bye. 

Schmoller — Good-bye. If you need me, call me. 

Whittelsback — Thank you. 

William — Good-bye. 

(Woch and Whittelsbach leave. William and Schmoller 
remain seated.) 

(Curtain.) 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 21 

ACT II. 

Scene — Library in Whittehhach's home. A ivoman 
is seated near a table in the center, drinhing heer. She 
is the st7'ange tvoman tvho sent the message to Whittels- 
bach. She looJcs rather coarse and her face shows that 
she has had a hard struggle. She is forty-six years old^ 
but she looJcs more than fifty. Being dressed in deep 
blaclc, as she is, maTces her looh weird, so to speak. 

.Strange Woman — (Alone, sipping beer) — Ah, the 
good old beer made in Bavaria ! Just the same as it was 
twenty years ago. 

(Hegel comes in.) 

Hegel — Ho, ho, Strange Woman ! You seem to like 
Bavarian beer. 

Strange Woman — (Rises and goes near him; puts her 
hand on his shoulder affectionately) — Are you happy 
here? 

Hegel — Happy enough. 

Strange Woman — (Staring into distance) — Ah, yes> 
twenty-one years ago. 

Hegel— WeW, what of it? 

Strange Womun — (Turns away from him. Her eyes 
fill with tears) — You have grown handsome. Just 
twenty-one last — 

Hegel — (Interrupting) — Did you know me when I 
was young? 



22 THE AMERICAX INTERCEDES. 

Strange Woman — (Controls herseJf ivitli an effort) — 
Yes — no. I knew your mother. 

Hegel — Ah, did you ? My mother was drowned when 
, I was quite young. 

Strange Woman — (Hesitatingly) — Yes. 

Hegel — Who are you? I think father told me that 
you were one of the old servants. 

Strange Woman — Yes, that is true. Leave me to 
myself, please. Will you call your father ? 

Hegel — I am in a hurry. Eing for Kiel and ask him 
to call him. 

(She rings. Kiel comes in.) 

Kiel — At your service, madam. 

Strange Woman — Call Mr. V.^hittelsbach for me. 

(She breaks down and weeps. Kiel goes out and Mr. 
Whittelshach comes in presently.) 

Whittelshach — When will you leave? 

Strange Woman — Otho, since I left I have been in 
two institutions for the insane. I would have killed 
myself and ended it all, but I could not but hope and 
long to see my son first. I have paid the penalty many 
times over. 

Whittelshach — But you accepted the bargain. I paid 
you well to leave. Why should you complain ? 

Strange Woman — I gave your vile money away two 
)^ears later, for it became loathsome. Since that time I 
have earned my own living by hard work. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 23 

Whittelshack — That is your doing, not mine. Why do 
you come to me now? For more money, I suppose. 

Strange Woman — No. 

Whittelsbach — Then what ? 

Strange Woman — To get a glimpse of my son — our 
son. 

Wliittelshacli — Well, you have gotten that glimpse. 
You must leave here to-night. 

Strange Woman — I will not. 

Whittelshack — If you do not, I will declare that you 
are insane and have you locked up. 

Strange Woman — But I will first tell all. And then 
you will be locked up, if there are any just laws in Ger- 
many. 

Whittelsbach — 1^11 give j^ou money. Name the sum 
and go. 

Strange Woman — I am going to remain here as long 
as I please. 

Whittelsbach — Then you are a thief, a liar; you are 
dishonest ! 

Strange Woman — Dishonest with none but myself and 
my son. But there was no choice, for you threatened to 
kill me if I did not agree to your vile bargain. I was 
young and foolish then, but now I have seen the ways of 
the world. Here I am, you beast ! Kill me now if 3^ou 
dare. 

Whittelsbach — I am sure you are insane. 

Strange Woman — You may get your comrade Woch 



34 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

to pronounce me insane, as he once pronounced me dead. 
And you all searched in the river for my body, and I 
suppose you pretended to be grief-stricken. Ah, you 
played your part well — sent me into that vile Paris. I 
saw the lie in the paper — "The wife of Herr Whittels- 
bach drowned while out boating with her husband and 
Herr Woch." 

Whittelshach — What do you intend to do now? 

Strange Woman — What has become of Woch? 

Wliittelsbacli — He is still here, and always ready to 
do my bidding, as usual. 

Strange ^^'Oman — You always did his bidding, if I 
remember correctly. You seldom did anything without 
first askinsr him. 

Whittelshach — That is of no importance and I do not 
want to discus^ it with you. 

Strange Woman — You do not like it, that I bring up 
old times. Ah, poor me, I believe that you have always 
hated me. 

Whittelshach — Well, perhaps I have. But that cannot 
m.ake any difference now. 

(Lucile comes in. She loolcs tired and worn.) 

Lucile — Who is this woman? 

Strange Woman — He cannot tell you; but who are 
you? 

Lucile — I am ]\Ir. Whittelsbach's wife. 

Strange Woman — (Startled) — His wife ! 

Whittelshach — Lucile, this is one of our old servants, 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. ^^ 

who is back to see us, but I am afraid that she has lost 
lier mind, or rather, that she is on the verge of nervous 
prostration. 

Strange W oman—Oiho looks nervous, too, young lady. 

Whittehhach— (Catching the woman hy the hand and 
pulling her after him)— Come this way. (They go out.) 

(Hegel comes in; has a wistful looTc.) 

Hegel — Who is this woman, Lueile? 

Lucile — I do not know. Her manner puzzles me. 

Hegel — We must know. It is very mysterious. 

Lueile— YouT father seems afraid of her, Hegel. There 
is something more in this than we know. What have 
you seen? 

Hegel — Well, I was at the club when the news came 
that she was here, and although my father was not given 
any name, but from the description the servant gave of 
her he seemed to know who she was and seemed to be 
very much upset over it. He seems to be afraid of her. 
He left the club immediately, and in the midst of a con- 
sultation regarding William and you, so I know that he 
was excited over her arrival. There is something about 
the woman that brings back my childhood. But father 
says that she is an old servant, and that probably ac- 
counts for it. When I met her in the hall a few moments 
ago she looked at me as though she wanted to stop me. 

Lueile — She is such a strange looking woman. She 
seems to be suffering. What has William said about her ? 

Hegel— He has not said much, but he is sure that 



26 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

there is some deep mystery about it. I shall telephone 
him now and ask him to help us solve this. Suppose I 
ask him to come right over? (He goes to the telephone, 
rings for the number.) Hello! is that William? This 
is Hegel. We want you to come here at once. There is 
something mysterious about this woman and we want 
you to help us solve it. (Hangs up the receiver; turns 
to Lucile.) He will be over shortly. 
Lucile — He will solve it. 

Hegel — Yes, he wdll bring his American shrewdness 
to bear upon it, and I do not think the mystery will last 
long under that scrutiny. 

(Reher comes in.) 

Lucile — What is it you want, Eeber? 
Reher — I am after knowing if I can do anything for 
Madam. 

Hegel — Leave the room. You are after finding out 
what we are talking about. That is what you are after. 
(She starts out; he calls her hack.) Here, Eeber, come 
back. (To Lucile.) Suppose we walk on the porch to 
meet William ? (To Reher) Should he come in the other 
way, ask him to wait for us, and you call us. 

Reher — (Timidly) — Yes, sir. 

(Hegel and Lucile go out. Reher, left alone, sees a 
diamond ring on the tahle. She examines it, decides that 
it is worth having, lifts up her top shirt and drops the 
ring into a pocket in her underskirt. She looks around 



THE AMERICAN INTEPtCEDES. 27 

to see if there is anything else worth taJdng. Before she 
has a chance to really decide, Mr. Woch comes in.) 

Woch — Is Mr. Whittelsbach in ? 

Reher — Yes, sir, he is at home. 

Woch — I suppose he is occupied? 

Reher — Yes, sir, the servant is shaving him just now. 

Woch — Eeber, you are a buxom-looking girl — (and 
she is.) 

Reher — Thank you, sir. 

Woch — (Advancing towards licr) — 1 am sure you are 
brimming over with energy and freshness and with life ! 

Reher— 1 am healthy and lively, sir. 

Woch — (Advancing nearer to Iter) — We old fellows 
envy the young. 

Reher — And we young people envy the old for their 
experience and knowledge. 

Woch — (Catching hold of her arm) — What a pretty, 
plump arm ! 

Reher — (Affecting to he shy) — Thank you. 

Woch — (Emhracing her) — I like to feel the palpita- 
tion of a young heart. 

(While Woch is enjoying the palpitation of this young 
heart Mr. Whittelshach suddenly opens the door and 
com,es in. Woch all hut faints. He does not know what 
to do.) 

Whittelshach — Woch, what on earth are you doing? 
I am ashamed, I am astonished ! (To Reher) Leave the 
room. 



28 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Woch — Forgive me, Otlio. 

Whittelshach — Come this wa}^, Woch. Don't men- 
tion it. 

(They both go out, Kiel comes in.) 

Reher — What do yon want here? 

Kiel — (Ironically) — Can't I come in, Madam? 

Reher — Yon pnt on such airs — ^yon think that there 
is nothing like an Englishman, and I never saw one who 
wasn't a fool. 

Kiel — (Going close to her) — Please kiss an old lonely 
Englishman, Eeber. 

Reher — No ; I asked you for a bottle of beer last night 
and you said no, you old selfish beast. You can never 
get something for nothing in this world — and ma^^be not 
in the next, if there is a next. 

Kiel — Then keep it. I can get a much iiner woman 
than you to kiss me. 

Reher — Why, you must think I can't get a much finer 
man to kiss me ! 

Kiel — That would be no credit. You are young and 
buxom. 

Reher — Such men as Mr. Woch, I suppose, is no honor. 

Kiel — Ah, what are you saying? Any man, almost, 
will kiss almost any woman. There is only one man I 
know who does not care to kiss women. 

Reher — And who is that ? Who is he ? Tell me, if you 
please. 

Kiel — Mr. Schmoller. 



THE AMERICAN" INTERCEDES. 29 

Reher — Mr. Schmoller ? Why, don't deceive yourself. 
I have let him kiss me, and after he all but begged me 
on his knees. 

Kiel — How about the American? 

Reher — He hasn't tried, because he knows it would be 
no use. 

Kiel — I don't believe you. But how about Mr. Hegel? 

Reher — He is nothing but a child. 

Kiel — But he has a man's mind. 

Reher — Here comes some one. 

Kiel — You leave the room. I'll open the door. (She 
leaves. He goes to the door.) 

Reher — (Upon leaving the room) — I don't want to 
stay here. 

(William Packard, Lucile and Hegel come in.) 

Kiel — (Leaving the room) — I'll be close b}^, Mr. 
Hegel, if you want me. 

Hegel — Very well, Kiel. 

Lucile — Sit down, you all. 

(Hegel sits, hut William remains standing.) 

Hegel — Sit down, William. 

Ijucile — Yes, do. 

William — After a while, thank you. 

Hegel — Well, William, as I was saying, I do not know 
what to make of her treatment of me. Why, the other 
day, when I met her in the garden, I could not get rid 
of her. And when I left her she cried. 

William, — I should like to talk to her alone. 



30 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

II eg el — You may be able to find out something, 
William, for she admires you, I believe, just because you 
are an American. 

Lucile — She told me last night that if the Germans 
had as much consideration for women as the Americans, 
Germany would be the most wonderful country in the 
world, and would progress and lead the world, it was her 
opinion. 

Hegel — She may be right, and then she may not. 
Who could lead the Americans ? 

William — Well, we will all go to America some day, 
and there all enjoy the freedom of a free country. We'll 
travel from coast to coast, we'll travel for days and days, 
and all the way feel safely at home. 

Lucile — What an optimist you are ! 

Hegel — Why not be an optimist? 

Lucile — Oh, one who is free can be anything they 
please — yes, can be what they please — but when you are 
in captivity it is different. 

William — Live and hope, Lucile. You have your life 
before you. You are very young, you know. 

Lucile — My hope is almost destroyed. 

William — Never let your hope leave you, my dear; 
you can do nothing without it. 

Hegel — For instance, Lucile, I have hopes of remodel- 
ing tlie world, and I will come nearer doing it than if 
hope was not there. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 31 

Lucile — I thought it was Bernard Shaw who was 
going to remodel the world. 

Hegel — It is, but I am going to help him. He cannot 
do it alone. 

William — I think he will do his part, Heo^el. 

Lucile — Yes; Voltaire tried to do it, but the world is 
just the same. 

William — You little pessimist, I would like to shake 
you. He did some good; you must admit that. 

Lucile — All right, William, I'll admit it. He, at 
least, gave me some pleasure. 

Hegel^We will set the people to thinking, and they 
will finally come to our way of thinking. 

Lucile — Don't flatter yourself too much, Hegel; you 
cannot change human nature, nor can Mr. Shaw. 

Hegel — We are not trying to change it. It is human 
nature for the people to read our books and wonder 
whether or not we are right. Some will think that we 
are correct in our opinions, and some, of course, will 
think that we are not. 

(Kiel com.es in.) 

Kiel — Is there anything I may do, Mr. Hegel ? 

Hegel — Yes; stay in here and discuss with us. 

Kiel — (Surprised heyond words) — Me stay in and 
discuss with you all ? Is that what you mean, Mr. Hegel r 

Hegel — Why not? 

Kiel — But I am the servant. 

William — We want your views, Kiel. 



32 THE AMERICAN IXTERCEDES. 

Hegel — Though j^ou are a servant, are you not actually 
the same stuff as we? 

Kiel — It is not considered so. 

Hegel — Never mind what is considered. A fact is a 
fact, regardless of what is considered. Suppose I con- 
sidered myself better than Mr. William; would that 
make me better? 

Kiel — Xo, except in your own mind, sir. 

William — But if many persons thought so, I think I 
would soon begin to think so myself. 

Hegel — What makes one man better than another? 

William — Of course, it is his moral qualities. 

Kiel — I beg your pardon, sir, but since you have asked 
me my views in this matter, I will venture to differ with 
you, again asking your pardon. Who would say that 
Mr. Woch is not better than I — infinitely better, sir, in 
every wa}^ but if the truth is known my standards, as 
far as morals are concerned, are as high as his. I am a 
good Christian. He admits that he is not a Christian 
at all. 

Hegel — But he is just as good as you, Kiel. 

Kiel — Why so, sir ? You know that I am a good man. 
As long as you have known me, you must know that, sir. 

Hegel — Now, Kiel, you know that there a good many 
things you would do if you were not afraid. Some of 
the very same things Mr. Woch does, I dare say. He 
does them because he is shielded by his position, his con- 
nections, his influence. But that advantage, that influ- 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 33 

ence, is wrong. You should have the same standing in 
the court of morals that he has. 

Lucile — (Who lias just been devouring William with 
her eyes) — Kiel, please leave the room. We did not come 
here to moralize. 

Kiel — Yes, madam. (Goes out.) 

William — No, Lucile, we did not come here to 
moralize, that is true. 

Lucile — You had forgotten what we came for, I be- 
lieve. 

William — No, I had not. 

Hegel — Well, let us begin. The mystery must be 
solved. 

William — You will find, Hegel, that the woman is 
related to you. 

Hegel — (Startled) — What ? Why do you think so ? 

Lucile — Why does she touch you so ? 

Hegel — Perhaps she is insane. 

William — No, Hegel, she is not insane. 

Lucile — She is only in a very nervous condition. 

(Shriehs are heard in the bach of the house.) 

William — Heavens ! Let us see what is the matter, 
Hegel. 

(As they start, the door is flung open and the Strange 
Woman rushes in. She drops on the floor in a faint) 

Hegel — Poor old woman ! She has fainted. What 
shall we do? I shall go for the doctor. 

William — No, Hegel, get some brandy — quick. 



34 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Lucile — (Fanning her) — Poor woman! 

Flegel — (Returning with the brandy) — Here. Can 
she take it? Is she able? 

Lucile — (Holding the glass to her mouth) — Here, 
drink this. 

Strange Woman — (Revives; drinlcs the brandy) — 
Thank yon, good people. They tried to drive me away 
by force. Oh, dear, I cannot leave. (Stares at Hegel.) 
Will 3'on help me up, dear boy ? 

Hegel — (Moved by lier pitiful plea) — Gladly. (He 
catches her up in his arms and tenderly puts her on the 
sofa.) There, now. Are you comfortable? 

Strange Woman — Yes, thank you, I am very comfort- 
able. Sit close to me. 

Hegel — (Sits near her on the same sofa) — 1^11 do any- 
thing to make you comfortable. 

(Curtain.) 



Scene 2. — A bedroom in Whittelsbach's home. In a 
very comfortable bed is laid the Strange Woman. Lucile 
is nursing her. She has become fond of Lucile and will 
have no other nurse. The room is beautifully furnished; 
it is Lucile s room. Whittelsbach comes in and loofcs 
hopeful, because he thinhs that she has not long to live.) 

Whittelsbach — Has the doctor been here this morning ? 

Lucile — 'No; we expect him now. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 35 

Whittelshacli — Call me when he comes. 

Lucile — Yes. 

(Whittelshacli goes out. Hegel enters.) 

Strange Woman — (To Hegel) — Sit on my bed. 

Hegel — (Going close to her) — How do you feel this 
morning ? 

Strange Woman — Not well. I have but a short time 
in this life. 

Lucile — Don't say that. 

Strange Woman — But it is true. I half wish it was 
not. 

(Kiel comes in and announces the doctor.) 

Lucile — Let him come in. 

The Doctor — Well, how is the patient this morning? 

Lucile — She did not rest so well last night. 

The Doctor — (Testing her temperature) — She has 
high fever. 

Lucile — Doctor, Mr. Whittelsbach wishes to see you; 
please wait until I call him. (She goes out and returns 
in a very short time. He is luith her.) 

The Doctor — Good morning, sir. 

Whittelsbach — How are you, doctor? 

The Doctor — Ah, I have seen better days. 

Whittelsbach — (Goes to the far corner of the room. The 
doctor follows him) — Well, what chance has the patient ? 

The Doctor — (In a whisper) — None. 

Whittelsbach — (Loohs pleased, in spite of himself) — 
You don't mean to tell me ! 



36 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

The Doctor — It is true. Good morning, sir. (He 
goes out.) 

Whittelshacli—(To Hegel) — I am going to the club. 
If you need me you will know where to call. (He turns 
and goes out.) 

Strange Woman — Hegel, please ask the American, 
Mr. Packard, to see me alone to-day. 

Hegel — Yes, I shall go now. (Goes out.) 

Strange Woman — (To Lucile) — You will not mind? 

Lucile — Certainly not. 

Strange Woman — He is a lovely man. I think you 
are in love with him, aren't you ? Do you love him very 
much? 

Lucile — With my very life ! 

Strange Woman — You will marry him soon, for he is 
very much in love with you — that is very plain. 

Lucile — But how can I ? 

Strange Woman — You will never know how or why, 
but you will be able to marry him within one short week. 

Lucile — Oh ! I would like to believe it, but that is too 
good; it cannot be true. But are you sure? Can you 
tell me nothing about how you know? 

Strange Woman — No, my dear girl, I cannot. 

Lucile — You are quite sure that you know the truth — 
I mean you are quite positive that I will be able to marry 
him? 

(Hegel and William come in.) 

Hegel — I met him coming in. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 3? 

William — Good morning. I was coming up to see 
about the sick lady and the little nurse. 

Lucile — The sick lady wishes to see you alone. 

William — So Hegel told me. I am quite at her 
service. 

Lucile — Come on, Hegel. Let us go to the library. 
(They go out.) 

Strange Woman — Mr. Packard, I know that you are 
in love with that sweet little woman, and she is in love 
with you ; of that I am sure. 

William — You seem to know. 

.Strange Woman — But you cannot marry her as long 
as she is tied to that man Otho Whittelsbach, who will 
always enjoy making her unhappy. 

William — I am trying to find a way to set her free. 

Strange Woman — You are fond of my son, are you 
not? 

William — (Puzzled) — Who is your son? 

Strange Woman — Hegel. 

William — Is that true ? 

Strange Woman — Yes; I am his mother and Otho 
Whittelsbach's wife. 

William — Then Lucile's marriage is not legal ! 

Strange Woman — No, it is not. 

William — Your son, madam, is my bosom friend. He 
is a man for whom I have the utmost admiration. 

Strange Woman — I am so glad to have you say that. 
Ah ! it does make me feel good to hear it. 



'38 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

William — ^Biit will you tell me the whole storv ? 

Strange Woman — Yes, I will. I will trust you. 

William — Thank you, madam; you may, I assure 3^ou. 

Strange Woman — I know that you may be trusted. 

William — I pledge you my word that I will keep any- 
thing secret that you wish me. 

Strange Woman — Well, I shall tell you the story. Do 
not tell my son until after I am dead. First let me tell 
you that you have but to go to Mr. Whittelsbach and tell 
him that you know all, and unless he gives that young 
lady her freedom immediately you will expose him and 
disgrace him. He is not married to her; he is married 
to me. Some years ago — ah, twenty long years ago — I 
was young then and full of life, and I did something 
foolish. Otho, in his jealousy, made me pay a tremen- 
dous price for my folly. I loved a young officer and I 
thought he loved me. But he did not. At least, I do 
not think that he did. When Otho found this out he 
and Mr. Woch invited me for a boat ride one night, and 
when we were far from shore they told me that they 
would give me ample money to be comfortable, but I 
must leave that night. I had no choice. I agreed to 
their bargain, for they could have drowned me if I had 
not. Otho has such a horror of the disapproval of the 
public that he would resort to this rather than risk a 
divorce suit. Yes, Hegel is my son. 

William — How strange it is that you should come back 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 39 

to Europe at this time. And how grateful I am to you 
for having told me this story. 

Strange Woman — Otho will give Lucile up, for he 
would not have this known. 

William — But you are going to get well and then you 
will be able to tell your son the story. 

Strange Woman — No, I shall not get well. 

William — I shall do as you wish, my dear madam. 

Strange Woman — Now leave me alone for a moment. 

William — Very well. I shall be in the next room if 
you should need me. (Goes out.) 

Strange Woman — (Gets out of bed, tahes Hegel's 
photo from the table and Jcisses it, weeping bitterly all 
the time) — 0, God ! tell me whether or not I should tell 
him that I am his mother. Oh ! if I could only embrace 
him once before I die ! But why should I tell him all ? 
Let him be happy. He will suffer to see me die, if I tell 
him who I am. Oh ! — and then I cannot tell him my 
story — I could not bear to tell him. If I could only live 
to prove to him that I meant to stay with him and be a 
good mother to him ! But it is too late — too late. ! 
come death — come death ! You'll ne^ er find a more 
willing victim. (She falls to the floor.) 

(Curtain.) 



40 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

ACT III. 

Scene. — Seated in Whittelshach's library are Mr. 
Whittelshach, Mr. Woch and Mr. Schmoller. They are 
all smohing cigars and all seem very happy and con- 
tented. Whittelsbach has his feet cocked upon the table 
as though he had not a care in the tvorld. Woch happens 
to be thinhing of himself — as usual — and he is dignity 
itself. Schmoller seems to be looking for something to 
sneer at. 

Schmoller — (Goes to the table and turns the face of a 
'picture down) — I do not like women's pictures staring 
me in the face continually where I am — so if yon don't 
mind I'l turn this one down. 

Whittelsbach^-Go ahead, you woman-hater. 

Woch — Well, the old witch is not dead yet. 

Whittelsbach — Do not say old witch. 

Woch — Pardon me — the Strange Woman. 

Schmoller — I am going to break off friendly relations 
with you two gentlemen, as much as I respect you, if you 
do not leave the name of woman out of our conversation, 
at least sometimes. 

Woch — You do not mean half you say, Schmoller. 

(Kiel comes in and announces Mr. Packard.) 

Whittelsbach — Tell him to come in. 

Woch — (Rather uncomfortable now) — What does he 
want here? 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 41 

8chmolle7' — I think he had better run back to America. 
He is one of those love-sick dogs, anyway. 

Woch — I believe the women have the upper hand in 
America. 

(William comes in.) 

William — Good morning. (No one greets him.) 

Whittelshach — What is it you wish, Mr. Packard ? 

William — I wish to see you alone. 

Whittelshach — That cannot be. Sir, you will please 
see me here. 

William — But I am quite sure that you would rather 
hear what I have to tell you in some private place — not 
here before these gentlemen. 

Whittelshach — No, these two gentlemen are my close 
friends, and they may hear anything you have to tell 
me, so proceed, sir, if you please. 

William, — Very well, then, I shall. Unless you give 
Lucile her freedom by to-morrow at noon I will expose 
you and disgrace you. 

Whittelshach — What do you mean, sir? 

William — ^You know what I mean. 

Woch — (Quite concerned about it) — Why should he 
know? 

William — You are not ignorant of the story. 

Woch — (80 afraid that he loolcs rather wild) — Otho, 
get rid of this man — we fail to understand you, sir. Also 
get rid of that French hag. 

Whittelshach — Explain yourself, Mr. Packard. 



42 THE AMERICAN- INTERCEDES. 

William — I have made myself quite clear to you, sir. 
Sclimoller — Are you using the usual American bluff? 
William — (Ignoring Schmoller) — I shall be back 
directly for your answer, Mr. Whittelsbach. (Goes out.) 

Schmoller — What is the matter with that fellow? And 
what is the matter with you all ? You both seem afraid 
of him. 

Woch — Pardon me, Schmoller, but will you please let 
Otho and me be alone for a little while? We will ex- 
plain to you later. 

Schmoller — (Loohing quite surprised) — Certainly; I 
am going to the club, anyway. I don't want to hear that 
sentimental slush of yours. 

Whittelshach — Very well, Schmoller, we are glad that 
you do not. 

(Schmoller goes out.) 

Woch — Say, Otho, why do you not get rid of that 
woman ? Now, you have got to do it — I am tired of all 
of this. Too much trouble and suspense. 

Whittelsbach — But she will not live long; and then 
how will he prove what he says ? 

Woch — ISTow, Otho, I am really tired of this. You 
must let this girl go. You are not legally married to 
her and, if you are found out, I will be implicated as 
well as you. It is not fair — it is not fair ! 

Whittelsbach — But if she leaves — what will that 
mean? Will people not inquire why she leaves? 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 43 

If oc/i— They need not know. And why does my repu- 
tation have to suffer with yours? 

Whittelshach— You are just as guilty as I am. You 
suggested the scheme. 

^och— But, my good friend, you are wrong. 

WkiUelshach—'No, I am not wrong. Be my friend 
now, Woch, when I need you. 

Woch — Not if you are going to be foolish. 

Whittelshach— 'Now, this is not a question of being 
foolish. It is getting out of this difficulty the best way 
we can that we must think of. 

Woch We ! We ! You are the one in the ridiculous 

pit of trouble. I am not the one in trouble. 

Whittelshach— Aren't we friends, Woch? 

^foch — Yes, as long as you do what is right. 

(William comes in for his answer.) 

William — I have come for your answer, Mr. Whittels- 

bach. 

Whittelshach— Sir, leave my house. All of this is not 

your affair. 

William — I will take Lucile with me. She is not your 

wife. 

Foc/i— Take her, Mr. Packard. 

Whittelshach— But how will we explain? 

William — ^You are fortunate that we leave the ex- 
planation to you. 

^och— But, by all means, permit us to make the ex- 



44 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

planation. We will say that she deserted him and went 
to America to live with a relative. 

Whittelshach— Why that? 

Woch — Because it is the best thing we can say. 

Whittelshach — But is it the best thing we can say, or 
is it the easiest thing we can say ? 

Woch — The easiest is the best. What else could we say ? 

Whittelshach — Something that would make a better 
impression, as far as I am concerned. 

Woch — You think only of yourself. 

William — You may make whatever explanation you 
like. I shall have Lucile leave here to-night to go to her 
mother in Paris. 

Whittelshach — Are you not going with her? 

William — I shall meet her there in a few days. 

Woch — (Nefvous and puzzled) — Why not meet her 
at once? 

William — I have reasons. 

Whittelshach — It is not proper for a lady to travel 
alone in Europe. Our customs are different to yours, 
you know. 

William — She shall soon be an American, and in 
America it is proper for a woman to travel alone as 
long as she is proper. 

Wocli — But think how it looks. 

William — Circumstances will not permit me to have 
much regard for your customs. 
(Hegel and Lucile come in.) 



THE AMERICAN^ INTERCEDES. 45 

Lucile — Are we intruding? 

William — No. Lncile, you must hurr}^ and pack your 
things. You will leave here for Paris to-night. I will 
join you next Wednesday. 

Lucile — What do you mean? 

William — I mean that I have discovered that your 
marriage with this man is not legal — 3^ou are free. 

Lucile — Free ! Free ! Is it possible ! 

Hegel — What is all of this? 

Whittelshach — Do not ask any questions, my son. 

Hegel — But why should I not know? 

William — I will tell you the story when we meet in 
America — this summer, I think you said. I cannot tell 
you before. 

Whittelsbach — (To Hegel) — Are you going to 
America ? 

Hegel — Yes ; going there to live. 
Whittelsbach — But why? — if I may ask. 

Hegel — Because there I may write and publish what I 
please. Here I must keep quiet and do as I am bid. I 
must publish what suits the Emperor — merit makes no 
difference. I am going where merit counts, where a 
person is given credit, where one is judged for one's 
merit, honored and respected for what one actually is. 
That is an ideal country. 

Whittelshach — My son a traitor! I did not dream 
that it would come to this. 



46 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Hegel — My country will not permit me to be anything 
else. 

Whittelshach — Why have we millions who are 
patriotic ? 

Hegel — They are not all patriotic at heart. 

Woch — Oh, yes they are. 

Hegel — How do you know ? 

Woch — For they are willing to die for their country. 

Hegel — They appear to go willingly, because they have 
more chance on the battlefield than in a court-martial 
for refusing to fight. You cannot tell me that any man 
enjoys dying — regardless of the cause for which he dies. 

Whittelshach — You do not understand, Hegel. 

Hegel — Yes, I understand well enough. 

William — (Who has been apparently talMng to Lucile 
and not paying attention) — When the day for kings, 
monarchs and emperors has passed, we will have a world 
at peace, and there will be no more bloodshed over trifles, 
or for the amusement and folly of kings. 

Lucile — That day will never come. 

Hegel — Didn't William tell you that you were a little 
pessimist ? 

Lucile — Yes, I know I am, but now it is different — I 
can be anything I please. 

William — (To Hegel) — When will you meet me in 
America ? 

Hegel — In New York, in the early spring. I shall 
write you. 



THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 47 

Lucile — Our door is open to you, Hegel, any time you 
want to come. (To William) On what train shall I go 
to Paris, William? I want to go in and see about the 
poor woman. The doctor said that she may linger for 
a week longer, but she cannot live. 

Hegel — Poor woman. She is entirely resigned. 

William — (To Lucile) — Hegel will be kind to her, 
and I shall be here for several days longer to look after 
her. 

Lucile — How glad she will be ! She is very fond of 
Hegel, and you also. (Whittelshach turns his face.) 

William — Mr. Whittelshach, you must get a trained 
nurse for her to-night. 

Whittelshach — Very well, I shall. 

Woch — Well, I must be going. (Extends his hand to 
William.) Good-bye, Mr. Packard. I wish you a pleas- 
ant journey. 

William — Thank you, sir; good-bye. 

Woch — (Going out) — Good-bye, madam, and Hegel; 
good-bye, Otho. 

Whittelshach — Wait, Woch, 1^11 go with you. (They 
doth go out.) 

Hegel — Well ! well ! This is strange. So we shall all 
meet in America? 

Lucile — Isn't it too wonderful to be true ? 

William — (Putting his arm around Lucile) — How 
different you will live in dear old America ! 



48 THE AMERICAN INTERCEDES. 

Hegel — William, I'll meet yon in the very early 
spring — maybe before. 

WiUiam — Come directly after we have returned from 
onr honeymoon and settled down in my home on the 
Hudson. 

Lucile — I am sure that the Hudson is a beautiful river. 

William — Magnificent! What do you say to that, 
Hegel ? 

Hegel — Cable me when you have settled down, and I 
shall make arrangements to go immediately. 

William — And we will camp and live the life of the 
wild man for a while. 

Lucile — Oh, how grand that will be ! 

Hegel — Do not tempt me too much, William, or I will 
go with you on your honeymoon. 

William — Well, directly after will do, Hegel. 

Lucile — And we will get you an American wife over 
there, Hegel. 

Hegel — I may be able to do that myself, but I will 
thank you for any assistance. 

William — (Preoccupied) — Good ! (To Lucile.) Now 
go ahead, little girl, and get ready. I'll wire your mother 
that you are coming. 

END 



SOUTHERN METHODS 



CHAEACTEES. 



Du Nair^ President Du Nair Real Estate and Banhing 
Company. 

Donald^ Du Nair's son. 

Benson^ Chief cleric of the firm. 

Brigson^ young man from the northern part of the State, 
who is seeking employment in the city. 

Jane^ Du N air's niece. 

Jeffrey, office hoy. 

DuPUY, cleric. 

Policeman. 



SOUTHERN METHODS 



ACT I. 

Scene I. 



It is a cold, hleak, December afternoon and Mr. Du 
Nair, an elderly well groomed gentleman, is sitting com- 
fortably in his nicely furnished office, in which he con- 
ducts his business (real estate) in New Orleans. He is 
in his private office. His grey hair, dart eyes, and dark 
slcin give him the appearance of an aristocrat, which he 
undoubtedly is. He looks like a selfish man, and he is, 
but without knowing it. He even considers that he is 
self-sacrificing. He is at his desk with his head askew 
pondering over some problem and seeming quite positive 
that he will decide it correctly. 

The furniture in the office is apparently new. There 
is a large flat top desk in the center of the office, cov- 
ered with letters, some of which are unopened. Straight 
back chairs are placed along the walls. On the wall to 
the back of his desk hangs a picture of a vast amount 
of land planted in cotton. This picture is very large 
and is the only one on that wall, but to the right and 
left are pictures of various truck fields and newly built 
dwellings. 

(Du Nair presses button on side of his desk — Donald, 
his son, enters.) 



54 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Du Nair — Where is Jeffrey ? Donald. 

Donald — I sent him down to the corner to buy me 
some cigars. 

DuNair — Very well, I only wanted him to call you. 
Sit down, son. 

Donald — What may I do for you father? 

Du Nair — I have many things to say to you, Donald. 
Many things to say to you, which are most painful for 
me to say, I assure you, my dear boy. For forty years 
I have had the money I needed to permit us to live as 
we pleased, to mingle with the society we liked, to go 
and come as we wished. It is hard, my dear son, it 
is harder — 

Donald — Well father, out with it, never mind all of 
the preface. Let me know what you want to say. Are 
we ruined? 

DuNair — No, thanks to heavens, no. It is simply 
this: I can no longer afford to give you the allowance 
you are now drawing. As a matter of fact, I cannot 
well afiord to give you but half of it. Please bear with 
me, my dear son, until we are in different circumstances. 

Donald — But it is impossible for me to live on that 
amount. I cannot do it — that is all there is to it. And 
I will not do it. 

DuNair — But what will we do? How can I give 
you more? 

Donald — Why am I the only one to be cut? May I 
ask ? Why do you not reduce Benson, Dupuy and Jeffrey ? 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 55 

Du Nair — What would that mean ? They get so little 
now. How could we do it? 

Donald — It would mean that I could have the same 
amount that I have been accustomed to draw. 

DuNair — Do you think that they would remain in 
our employ? 

Donald — Why certainly. And if they do not, get 
someone who will work for what you are willing to pay. 

DuNair — Benson will leave, I am sure, if we reduce 
his pay. 

Donald — Let him leave. We can always replace him. 
Do you not think that it is more proper to reduce him 
than me? Am I not your son and does not a part of 
this business belong to me? 

DuNair — Well, call him in Donald, let us ask him. 

(Donald goes out and returns with Benson after him. 
Benson is very tall and slender, between thirty-five and 
fifty years of age. He is prepossessing. He has a firm 
mouth and is a determined loohing fellow.) 

Benson — At your service, Mr. Du Nair. 

DuNair — Mr. Benson, I am quite sorry, but owing 
to present circumstances it will be necessary for us to 
reduce your salary twenty per cent, for the time being. 
Understand, Mr. Benson, that it is only temporary, and 
that it is not because we are dissatisfied with your 
work — just the opposite, we consider that you are worth 
all of the salary we are now paying you, but it is on 



56 SOUTHEKX METHODS. 

account of certain financial circumstances about which 
I am not at liberty to speak just now. 

Donald — We regret it very much, Benson, but it must 
be done. 

Benson — I thank you all very much, but I cannot 
remain in your employ for less than you are now paying 
me. Therefore — I shall be brief — I shall leave you on 
the first of January and seek other employment. 

DuNair — But Benson, let us talk the matter over. 

Benson — 'No, thank you, sir, I do not wish to discuss 
it further. 

(Benson makes a graceful how and walks out of the 
office.) 

Du Nair — (Looking angrily at Donald) — There ! we 
have lost our best man. 

Donald — I do not think that he is worth so much, 
after all. Any man who will leave the firm, for which 
he has been working ten years, in such a manner — well, 
let him go; that is all I have got to say. 

Du Nair — That is easy enough to say, Donald. — But it 
just occurs to me — I have a letter on my desk from a man 
by the name of Brigson, who is applying for a position. 
Let me see (He takes up the letter and reads it) it says : 
"Tt is my desire to go to the city of New Orleans, and 
there to seek employment. My experience in business 
has been limited. My only experience having been on a 
farm, for which I have kept books and transacted all 
business necessary. My education might be considered 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 57 

defective, or ^peculiar' would better express it probably, 
for I have educated myself, and have a very good knowl- 
edge of some things, a fair knowledge of others, and no 
knowledge at all of some. I would be willing to begin 
work for a moderate salary, and would expect you to 
increase this salary as I deserve it. I shall be in New 
Orleans on the fifteenth of this month and if I do not 
hear from you in the meantime, I shall call at your 
office any way and hope the liberty I take will not meet 
with your disapproval. Believe me as one who would 
like to be considered. Your humble and obedient ser- 
vant, John June Brigson." 

Donald — Just the man we want! His letter shows 
that he is nothing but a country yap. He knows some- 
thing, but he is as green as grass, and we can get him 
for almost nothing. You can see that he can learn 
easily. He will be easy to manage. He is the man we 
want, I tell you. 

DuNair — (LooMng at the letter very closely) — But 
to-day is the sixteenth, and his letter says that he would 
be here on the fifteenth. 

Donald — What is the date of his letter? 

DuNair — December the first. 

Donald — He will probably call to-day. 

DuNair — We'll see. 

(Curtain.) 



58 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Scene II. 

Canal Street. A tremendously wide street; ahout the 
width of four ordinary streets. There are four trolley 
lines in the center. A very noisy street. Brigson is stand- 
ing on the neutral ground, which is a space between the 
four trolley lines, loohing perplexed and undecided as 
to where to go. He is dressed in a reddish brown sacJc 
coat and a pair of striped trousers. He wears a very 
broad brown felt hat. He would be quite handsome were 
he neatly groomed. He has a clean shave and has just 
had a hair-cut. His eyes are black and piercing like 
those of an artist. His face is very pale and this, in 
contrast with his dark hair, makes him look rather 
striking. 

While he is standing there a policeman comes along. 

Policeman — What are you up to? Are you lost? 

Brigson — Not exactly lost, but I would like to know 
if this is Canal Street. 

Policeman — You are not lost_, aye, and wants to know 
if this is Canal Street. I have a mind to lock you up 
for a suspicious character. 

Brigson — I hope you please will not. I am perfectly 
honest, if you please, and honorable, and I mean no 
harm, if you please. 

Policeman — Then where do you want to go, you 
country jay? 

Brigson — I want to find the Du Nair Eeal Estate and 
Banking Company. 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 59 

Policeman — 1 thiuk you are a faker — come along, let's 
go to jail. You are standing in front of it, you rube, 
and there is a sign up there big enough for a blind man 
to read. Can you read ? (He catches Brigson by the arm.) 

Brigson — (Pulling away from the officer) — I have 
never been here before, and I had not seen it. Please 
let me go. 

Policeman — Well go ahead, you country jay. You are 
all a set of fools. The city should pass an ordinance 
to keep you atl where you belong. 

Brigson — I shall go right over. 

Policeman — Well, go on — go on — go on! 

Scene III. 

(Du Nair is seated in his office. Jeffrey comes in.) 

Jeffrey — Sir, there is a man outside to see you. Shall 
I ask him in? He is awful looking. 

Du Nair — Just a minute, Jeffrey, beginning January 
first, we will reduce your salary twenty per cent. 

Jeffrey — Thank you, sir. 

DuNair — What are you thanking me for? 

Jeffrey — For what you told me, sir. 

DuNair — Do you know what I mean? 

Jeffrey — No, sir. 

DuNair — Then why do you thank me? 

Jeffrey — I am taught to thank people for everything, 
sir. 

DuNair — Well, you little idiot, I am going to pay 



60 SOUTPIERN METHODS. 

yon sixteen dollars per month instead of twenty — that 
is what I mean. 

Jeffrey — Thank yon, sir. 

Du Nair — (LooMng as though he does not 'know 
whether to he amused or provoTced) — Is it agreeable to 
you? 

Jeffrey — I will do very well on that, thank yon, sir. 

DuNair — Are yon going to remain with ns? 

Jeffrey — Yes sir, if yon will let me, I thank yon. 

DuNair — ^Well, ask the gentleman in. 

Jeffrey — It is a man, sir, not a gentleman. 

DuNair — Do as I told yon. 

Jeffrey — Yes sir, thank yon, sir. 

(Brigson is ushered in. He is extremely awJcward. He 
sits down without heing asJced to sit down, and does 
not utter a sound for some little time. Finally, he says, 
''Good evening.'') 

DuNair — Good evening. What is yonr name? 

Brigson — Brigson. 

Du Nair — ^What is it yon want to see me abont ? 

Brigson — It is abont employment, if yon please, sir. 

Du Nair — I received yonr letter and it indicates that 
yon have a fair education, bnt I am afraid that yon are 
a bit timid. 

Brigson — I will be overcome — I mean, I will over- 
come that. 

Du Nair — How old are yon ? 

Brigson — Twenty -three, going on twenty-fonr. 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 61 

Du N air— Wh^t salary do yon expect to begin with? 
Brigson—Jn^t enough to pay my expenses, if you 
please to give it to me, sir. 

(DuNair Presses a button and Jeffrey appears.) 
DuNair— Ask Mr. Donald to come here. 
Jeffrey— TYmnk yon, sir. 
DuNair— (Angrily calling him lack)— JeHrey, see 

here. 

Jeffrey— Ye&, sir. . ^ ^ 

DuNair— Whsit do yon mean by makmg snch a fool 

of yonrself, saying "Thank yon" so often. 

Jeffrey— I will stop it, thank yon,— I mean-excuse 

me, sir. . . 

(Jeffrey goes out sheepish lilce, and Donald comes m.) 
DuNair-DoYi^l^, this is Mr. Brigson; the man from 

whom the letter came. 

Donald— (Extending his hand)—l am very glad to 

know you. ■ i ^± -l /i ) 

Brigson— (Much emharassed, extends his left hana.) 

Thank you, sir. 

Donald— 1 note by your letter that you have educated 
yourself. May I ask how you have done so? And what 
lines of studies you have pursued? 

Brigson— 1 have read all of Dickens, Thackeray, Scott, 
Burns, Byron, Shaw, Shakespeare. The history of Eng- 
land, Greece, Eome, the United States,— 

Donald-(interrupting /limj-Wait a mmute, 1 do 
not mean the books you have read, I mean how you have 
educated yourself. 



62 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Brigson — That is the way I have educated myself, sir, 
by reading. 

Donald — I would not consider you as educated, then. 
I would call you well read. 

Brigson — Well, sir, I have read lots of Philosophy. 

Donald — But, forget the books, and let us get down 
to business. What do you know about bookkeeping, 
arithmetic, spelling and writing? 

DuNair — I shouldn't think he knows much about 
them, Donald. 

Brigson — I have a knowledge of arithmetic, and I 
know something about algebra, and geometry. 

Du Nair — How did you acquire this knowledge ? 

Brigson — By saving my money, and buying books and 
studying them. 

Donald — Did you make any money on your farm? 

Brigson — Yes, sir, we made money every year. 

Du Nair — Then why have you come to us looking for 
employment ? 

Brigson — Because my father has nine children besides 
me, and three of them are off at college, and the rest 
are at home going to a local school. 

Donald — Didn't you say that you had never gone to 
school ? 

Brigson — Yes, sir, for when I was young my people 
had no money. They were losing money, and my mother 
taught me to read and I did the rest. 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 63 

DuNair — Mr. Brigson^ we will give you a chance if 
you are willing to begin for forty dollars per month — 
are you? 

Brigson — Gladly, sir. 

(Mr. Du Nair rings for Jeffrey, who comes in with a 
mischievous looh in his eyes.) 

Jeffrey — Yes, sir. 

DuNair — Call Mr. Benson. 

Jeffrey — Yes, sir, thank you, sir — excuse me, sir. 

Du Nair — Damn that boy ! 

Donald — Don't discharge him, father, for he has stood 
for the cut. 

(Benson enters, loolcing quite unconcerned.) 

DuNair — Mr. Benson, this gentleman will replace 
you — will you please show him around and give him 
whatever coaching you can before you leave? 

Benson — With pleasure — Come this way — What is 
your name? 

Brigson — Brigson, John J. Brigson. 

Benson — Are you related to Samuel Brigson? 

Brigson — He is my father, sir. 

Benson — My task will be all the more pleasant. 

(Exit Benson and Brigson.) 

DuNair — That fellow Benson is a sarcastic brute, 
isn't he, Donald? 

Donald — Oh, I think he is nothing but a fool. 

(Curtain.) 



64 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

ACT 11. 

Two years have elapsed since John J. Brigson entered 
the employment of Du Nair Real Estate and Banhing 
Company. He is now the best and most tastefully 
groomed man in the office, and the most refined looh- 
ing — and probably the most refined. 

It is now the twenty-fifth of January, Saturday after- 
noon, and he is alone in the office. He is seated at the 
desh in the center of the office. There are three other 
deslcs, all near the wall. This office is decorated with 
very few pictures of truch fields and dwellings, but many 
historic pictures, and many calendars. 

While Brigson is seated at his desk pondering over 
some letters. Miss Jane Du Nair walks in. Jane is Mr. 
Du N air's ni'ece. Her father died some years ago, and 
since that time she has been living with her uncle. All 
of the money which her father left her is invested in 
this company. 

She is a tall woman, rather plump, dark hair, blue 
eyes, a beautiful mouth, pearly white teeth evenly set. 
One of the prettiest things about her is the soft expres- 
sion of her eyes. She is at the age when a pretty woman 
is more beautiful than any time of her life, thirty. 

Jane — Is uncle here? 

Brigson — No. 

Jane — ^Where is he? 

Brigson — Out at the race track. 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 65 

Jane — Alone? 
Brigson — Yes, alone. 
Jane — How long will you be alone? 
Brigson — Until yon leave. (Johingly.) 
Jane — Do you want to be alone? 
Brigson — Yes — with you. 
Jane — Then you may — you are. 
Brigson — (WalUng close to her) — How long may I 
be alone with you? 

Jane— (Advancing still closer to him) — You may 

kiss me. 

Brigson — (Overcome with emharassment, hisses her — 
turns very red) — Thank you. 

j^^e— What a prosaic thing to say to a woman who 
offers to kiss you. It is particularly prosaic for you, 
with your poetic temperament and artistic mind. 

Brigson — If I was tremendously poetic I would be 
prosaic on this occasion. 

Jane— Why do you think I offered to kiss you? 

Brigson— Becmse you are clever and you knew how 
badly I wanted to. 

Jane — Suppose you had refused. 

Brigson — (Advancing nearer and talcing hold of her 
hand)— You probably would have thought more of me. 

Jane— (Pulling her hand away)—l did not offer you 
my hand. How dare you touch me. Give a man an 
inch, he'll take a mile. 



QQ SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Brig son — (Perplexed) — I should think that if you 
gave him a kiss he may take a hand. 

Jane — How timid and ignorant men are! 

Brigson — All men are ignorajit of women. 

Jane — Yes, all real men are. 

Brigson — I thank you. 

Jane — Or they pretend to be. 

Brigson — I assure you they are. 

(They both sit in chairs, near one another.) 

Jane — I want to talk seriously with you, Mr. Brigson, 
Mr. John — 

Brigson — Please say John, Joh — 

Jane — Well, alright, John. 

Brigson — Very well, Jane — thank you. 

Jane — Never mind "Thank you." My Name is Jane, 
not "Jane thg,nk you" if you please. Don't be foolish. 

Brigson — But you were going to say something about 
something serious. 

Jane — Very well, John, my intuition tells me that 
this business is not in a very good condition, and I 
want to know something about it. 

Brigson — What makes you think that it is not in a 
good condition? 

Jane — Well, in the first place Uncle is paying too 
much attention to Cotton Futures and Horse Eacing 
of late, that is I know it of late; I do not know how 
long it has been going on and I notice that he has 
permitted you to buy a stock in the company. I know 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 67 

him too well not to know that he would not have sold 
you that stock had he not been forced to do so. 

Brigson — You are a clever woman, but I have some- 
thing to tell you that is vastly more serious, at least 
it is to me. 

Jane — What! You are not leaving? You have not 
lost money by your investment? 

Brigson — No, it has nothing whatever to do with this 
business. It only concerns me — selfish me — and you. 

Jane — Well, tell me — do not keep me in suspense. 

Brigson — (Embarrassed — turning crimson) — I love 
you, I — I — adore you. 

Jane — Is that all, is that what you think so serious ? 
Brigson — It may be a light matter to you, but to me 
it means a great deal, in fact, everything. 

Jane — (Playfully) — I canna deny I luve you too, and 
wi'a my heart. 

Brigson — May I kiss you? 

Jane — It wouldna be right for me to say yes, and, yet, 
I canna say no. 

Brigson — (Clasping her in his arms, hut most un- 
gracefully) — Eight or wrong, nothing is wrong in love — 

Jane — (Interrupting him) — And war. 

(A knock is heard at the door. They both are startled. 
Brigson goes to the door and opens it. Jeffrey enters.) 

Jeffrey — I hope you will pardon a poor boy, sir and 
madam, and I would thank you too, but I forgot to put 



68 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

the mail in the post office, and I thought I better come 
back and put it. 

Jane — Why did you knock at the door? Are you not 
accustomed to come in without . knocking ? 

Jeffrey — Yes Madam, thank you, but I heard a — o' I 
heard no noise and I though some body was busy and 
would not want me to disturb them — a-hem. That is 
why I knocked. 

Brigson — (Handing him the letters and a two dollar 
hill) — Here, that is alright, Jeffrey — Run along. Thank 
you for thinking of the letters. 

Jane — I think that little rascal discovered something: 
He is not so stupid as he appears. 

Brigson — Jane, I have been in love with you for — ► 

Jane — One long year. 

Brigson — How did you know it? 

Jane — How did I know that I was in love with you. 
Do you think a man, or you, of all men, can hide such 
from me, or any woman, however stupid she may be? 

Brigson — I thought so. 

Jane — Trust a woman to conceal her love, but never 
a man. 

Brigson — Are all men so? 

Jane — Very near. 

Brigson — Will you marry me, Jane? 

Jane — ^Yes, John. 

Brigson — When, Jane ? 

Jane — That will be decided later. 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 69 

Brgison — (Walhs over and kisses her) — Please let it 
be soon. 

(The door opens and Dupuy walks in.) He is a deceit- 
ful looking man of about thirty-five. Eyes small and 
close together, long face, not very tall. 

Dupuy — (Looking at them strangely) — I beg your 
pardon. 

Brigson — What do you want? 

Dupuy — I have a little work here I am going to finish. 

Brigson — Will you please wait until to-morrow or 
Monday. I do not wish to be disturbed this afternoon, 
for 1 have some very important matters at hand. 

Dupuy — Why can I not work now, I would like to 
know ? 

Brigson — Because my instructions are that you do not. 
Dupuy — I would like to work only for a few minutes. 
Brigson — I am sorry to disappoint you, but you must 
go now, 

Dupuy — We will see later. 

Brigson — Perhaps, but at the moment do as you are 
told. 

(Dupuy walks out reluctantly.) 

Jane — Isn't that man impudent? 

Brigson — He will tell Mr. Du Nair that we were 
alone. 

Jane — Very well, let him do so — we do not mind. 

Brigson — Not in the least, if you do not mind. 



70 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Jane — But tell me about the condition of this busi- 
ness. 

Brig son — It was once, about, a year ago, in a weak- 
ened condition. But I invested some of my money in 
it and closed a few sales a few months ago, which made 
a profit of thirty thousand dollars for the firm. Frankly, 
though, there is scarcely ten thousand dollars more than 
your stock of fifty thousand. Mr. Du Nair has been 
speculating with the firm's money for the past five years 
and has lost heavily. 

Jane — But is my money safe? 

Brigson — Yes, perfectly, but if you drew it out the 
firm would be wrecked. However, our prospects are 
good and we will make some money and re-establish the 
business if Mr. Du Nair will attend to business and 
quit taking chances. 

Jane — But has he been spending the firm's money for 
such purposes since you have been a stockholder? 

Brigson — No, but he has been over-drawing his salary. 
Has given notes, of course, the notes are worthless, unless 
we would want to refer them to the courts of law and, 
probably, seize his home. He knows that we would not 
do that and, yet, he seems to think that what he is 
doing is perfectly proper, and honest. 

Jane — Can you not tell him that it is not honest? 

Brigson — Yes, but what good would that do. I only 
own five thousand dollars in the business, while he owns 
many times as much and also controls your share — He 



SOUTHERI^ METHODS. 71 

is the man with the authority and I am the one with 
the responsibility, in a sense — An unsatisfactory posi- 
tion. 

Jane — In the future you will look after my stock — I 
will make arrangements immediately. 

Brigson — Very well, I shall make the arrangements 
for you. 

(Curtain.) 



72 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

ACT III. 

Mr. Du Nair's private office. 

He seems happy this morning. It is evident that he 
has won something hy the races on Saturday afternoon. 
While he is sitting there Dupuy walks in, on tip toe, 
as though he has something of grave importance to say. 

DuNair — What is it? 

Dupuy — (In a whisper) — Je veux vous dire quelque- 
chose qui est arrive dans I'office Samedi apresmidi. Vous 
lemerai pas. 

DuNair — Come on tell me — Tell me in English, no 
one can hear you. 

Dupuy (Excitedly) — Monsieur Du Nair, I come here 
Saturday evening to work and I see Monsieur Brigson 
and Mademoiselle Jane Du Nair. I thought you would 
like me to tell you, so I tell you. 

DuNair — Were they alone? 
Dupuy — Oui, Monsieur. 
DuNair — What were they doing? 
Dupuy — Talking — talking secret-like. 
DuNair — Is that all you know? 
Dupuy — Oui — (quichly and excited.) 

DuNair — Ask Mr. Brigson to step in here immedi- 
ately. 

(Brigson comes in crAlected and apparently uncon- 
cerned.) 



SOUTHERN METHODS. "^3 

Brigson—'VeTy well, Mr. Du Nair, what is it you 

wish? 

Du Nair— (Seeming already uncomfortalle)—! am 
given to understand that you spent the afternoon, Sat- 
urday, with my niece, Miss Jane Du Nair, in this office. 
Brigson—1 did, sir, and I cannot understand why that 
concerns you so deeply, if I may say so. 

Du Nair— What do you mean ! why does it not concern 
me deeply. Am I not her guardian, is she not my 
brother's child, has she not lived with me as my child 
for twenty years. Have I not a right, is it not my duty 
to look after her welfare? 

Brigson— AW that you say is infinitely true. 
Du Nair— (Pause for a long time, baffled— does not 
know what to say)— Then why do you think that it 
does not concern me? 

Brigson— Th3it what does not concern you? 
Du Nair— (Overcome with anger)— I mean— the— 
why Jane— Miss Du Nair remaining in this office with 
you alone. 

Brigson—She came of her own accord. 
Du Nair— (His face becomes red— his anger in- 
creases)— Ha^ you been the right kind of man you 
would not have permitted it — ^her — 

Brigson— I always act in accordance with my point 
of view. I cannot accept yours as a standard. 
Du Nair— Why should yours be a standard ? 



74 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Brigson — Mine is not a standard, but it is my stand- 
ard. 

DuNair — Why must you disregard mine? 

Brigson — I do not disregard yours — I simply compare 
mine with yours and choose mine — which is quite a 
natural thing to do. 

DuNair — Well then, I will act according to mine in 
this case. 

Brigson — That is your prerogative, sir. Do as you 
like. 

DuNair — (Confused) — But what am I going to do? 

Brigson — As you like. 

DuNair — Then this kind of thing must be stopped. 

Brigson — Why so? 

Du Nair — I do not care to give my reason. It simply 
must be stopped, I cannot have it. 

Brigson — I am quite sorry to displease you, but it 
will not be stopped. Our meetings will be more fre- 
quent in the future. 

DuNair — Brigson, I will appeal to your sense of 
justice — When you came here you were a simple lad, 
hadn't a penny, so to speak. I made you what you are 
to-day, I put you where you are, I am proud of you — 
have always been proud of you. Is it right for you to 
disappoint me in this way — Are you not ungrateful ? 

Brigson — Your point of view is not correct, for it is 
selfish and ungrateful. Had I not been thrown here by 
destiny or providence, the firm of Du Nair Real Estate 



SOUTHER]^ METHODS. 75 

and Banking Company would be no more. I have now 
saved its life four times, and if you do not attend more 
closely to business I will have another such experience. 

DuNair — What do you mean? 

Brigson — Precisely what I have said. 

(Jeffrey comes in.) 

Jeffrey — A lady wishes to see you, if you please. 

DuNair — Who is she? 

Jeffrey — Your niece, thank you. 

DuNair — Why didn^t you say so at first? 

Jeffrey — May I show her in? 

DuNair — Yes, tell her to come here at once, I wish 
to see her. 

(Jeffrey goes out.) 

Du Nair — Brigson, may we discuss this matter in the 
presence of Miss Du Nair? 

Brigson — Yes sir, we may discuss it in the presence 
of Jane. 

Du Nair — Jane ! 

(Jane appears.) 

Jane — Why, hello John — 

Brigson — How are you Jane? 

Jane — Uncle, how are you this morning? 

DuNair — (Without responding the greeting) — Jane 
what is all of this about? 

Jane — All of what? 

DuNair — These meetings you are having with Mr. 
Brigson — alone in the office. 



76 SOUTHERN" METHODS. 

Jane — I am going to be his wife on the fourth day 
of February. 

Du Nair — (Shocked speechless) — Well, Well, Well! 

Jane — Very well. 

Brigson — Extremely well. 

DuNair — Please spare me some humiliation. Where 
is Donald — Jeffrey — (pushes the hutton for Jeffrey.) 

(Jeffrey appears) — Jeffrey ask Donald to come here. 

(Donald comes in.) 

Donald — Good morning Father, good morning Jane, 
and Brigson. What is it Father? 

DuNair — I don't know how to begin it, Donald. 

Brigson — (Who has been quiet for some time) — I 
will begin it. Jane and I are going to be married on 
February fourth, and I am going to have the stock she 
has in this fifm^ and there will be a re-organization of 
this business, and it is going to be run on a different 
basis, and it is going to be properly conducted, or our 
stocks will be drawn out. 

Donald — This is impossible, it must not be done, it 
cannot be so. 

Brigson — It will be so. 

Jane — Most certainly will. 

Donald — You cannot marry that man, Jane. 

Jane — Why not? Please. 

Du Nair — (Realizing what has come) — Don't be fool- 
ish, Donald. 

Donald — I am not foolish. Jane, you must not, you will 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 77 

disgrace us. This man three years ago was nothing but 
an ignorant country boy, without manners, without 
polish, without any social standing. He is still without 
social standing and he always will be. You cannot do 
it, Jane. If you do, we will not claim you as one of 
our connections. 

Jane — Donald, you are worse than silly. You are a 
fool, I cannot describe you differently. When Mr. Brig- 
son came into your office his education was infinitely 
superior to yours, and his manners, whether acquired or 
or not are far better than yours. Should we not judge 
a man for what he is, anyway, instead of what he was. 
Who would not have been proud to have been the wife, 
or a distant cousin of Benjamin Franklin, who was a 
poor ignorant boy once — Who would not be proud to 
be the wife of Timon Lackey, who is now the richest 
man in the city, who leads all of the carnival balls, who 
is a member of all clubs. And yet, and above all, who 
would not be infinitely proud to be the wife of any 
poor country boy, town boy, or city boy, if she loved him ? 

Brigson — Those speeches, Jane, are quite useless. We 
have no apologies to make. 

DuNair — Brigson, you are a very bold young man, 
what is it makes you so ? Your ignorance ? 

Brigson — 'No, the circumstances under which I grew 
up. My environments have stimulated self-reliance in me. 

Donald — But it has not stimulated justice in you. 
(Brigson ignores his remarh) — I say it has not stimu- 



78 SOUTHEKN METHODS. 

lated justice in you. (Brigson continues to ignore him — 
He is furious.) 

(Enters Jeffrey.) 

Jeffrey — (Excitedly) — Mr. Benson wishes to see Mr. 
Du Nair and Mr. Brigson. 

DuNair — Tell him that he must come back to-mor- 
row, for we are busy now. 

(Exit Jeffrey.) 

Donald — I suppose he wants a position. 

DuNair — Yes, yes, they always come back to the 
devil with whom they have earned their bread and meat. 

(Jeffrey enters again.) 

Jeffrey — Mr. Benson says he must see you — it is to 
your interest, and the matter is extremely — extremely — 
a — a — ah, important. 

Du Nair—r-^eW, show him in. 

(Enters Benson.) 

Benson — The Clyde Bank is leaning towards failure, 
and I would advise you to withdraw your money. It 
may not be too late. This information was given me 
by one of the clerks — it is confidential, please. 

DuNair — (Excited) — Brigson, what is to be done? 
Do something Brigson — save us — I know you can. 

Brigson — We are safe. 

Donald — But how do you know? 

Brigson — ^We have been drawing from the The Clyde 
for the past two months, but our deposits have been 
made in the Limited National. 



SOUTIIEU^N^ METHODS. 79 

Jane — Depend upon him! 

DuNair — How did yon know it Brigson? 

Benson — I might have known that Brigson would 
not have been caught sleeping. 

Brigson — I have had a suspicion for some time, but 
I had no proof, so I said nothing — you will notice that 
all the checks you have signed, Mr. Du ISTair, were 
against The Clyde. 

Benson — That is all I have to say, except that I am 
happy with you that you are safe — I saved myself by 
a small chance. Good bye to all of you. 

DuNair — Thank you, Benson. 

Brigson — Thanks Benson, it is like you to do such a 
thing. 

(Exit Benson.) 

DuNair — Forgive me Brigson for what I have said. 

Brigsofi — ISTothing you have said offended me. 

DuNair — Shall we begin now to build this business 
up and make it profitable and run it as friends? How 
happy I should be if this is done. 

Brigson — That is quite possible, Mr. Du Nair. 

DuNair — Then it shall be done. 

Brigsoji — You cannot afford to dispense with me, Mr. 
Du Nair, I realize that you are, by a peculiar turn of 
circumstances, more dependent upon me than I am upon 
you, but I will not take advantage of it. 

DuNair — I am sure you will not, Brigson. 

(Curtain.) 



80 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

ACT IV. 

One year later. 

John Brigsons home. It is elegantly furnished, and 
shows signs that the firm of Du Nair Real Estate and 
BanTcing Company is quite prosperous. Brigson is sit- 
ting in his library. Mrs. Brigson — Jane — comes in. 

Jane — John you must talk to me to-night; I will not 
let you read all the time. 

Brigson — Very well^ Jane, married men are not in- 
tended to have any peace. 

Jane — Now dear, that is a mean remark. 

Brigson — Jane, my remark is not mean. 

Jane — I hear the door bell — Why doesn^t Lizzie an- 
swer it, I wonder — I'll go — (She goes through the door 
to the right.) (She enters with Mr. Du Nair and Mr. 
Benson — Du Nair looJcs quite sad.) 

Brigson — Why, how are you all, and what brings you 
all here this cold morning? 

Du Nair — We must see you alone, John, for a few 
minutes — Jane, my dear girl, you will please excuse us — 
it is nothing very serious, Jane. 

Brigson — Well, what on earth has happened. Is Ben 
in it? 

Benson — Only in that I can be of some assistance 
because of certain knowledge I have. 

Brigson — By jupiter and Dea, Ixion and all the rest, 
tell me what is up now. 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 81 

DuNair — John, Donald is about to disgrace us — 
about to break my heart and ruin my life, and the life 
of his sweet wife. 

Brigson — Well now, do not let your life be wrecked 
so easily — But come, tell me — 

DuNair — Donald has taken to drinking of late, he 
hasn't been home for four days, and the worst part of 
it is that (whisper,) he is under the influence of some 
low disreputable woman and his wife is going to file suit 
for divorce unless he puts a stop to that sort of thing 
immediately. 

Benson — I know the woman, John. I have begged her 
to let him be, but she will not. 

DuNair — We thought that you would probably be 
able to persuade her. I cannot find him to persuade 
him. (KnocJcing his fist angrily on the table.) Oh! if 
I could only see him — I am sure I would strike him. 

Brigson — Where is this vampire, Ben. 

Benson — Down at the German-American Hotel — She 
is from New York. I understand that she is a woman 
of means — but she is no good. 

Du Nair — Please come immediately, John. I must get 
this settled at once and I must find Donald. 

Brigson — (Calling Jeffrey) — Jeffrey get the car 
around in front. 

Jeffrey — No gasoline, Mr. Brigson. The tank is 
dry — very dry, sir. 

Brigson — Very well, we'll go on the street car. 



82 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

Du Nair — Hold on John — my car is out there — use it. 
Brigson — All right, then. 

(Curtain.) 

Scene II. 

Lady's reception room in German-American Hotel. 
Lady is seated reading a letter — from Donald — and 
laughing very much over it. The hell hoy comes up 
with a card. 

Lady — Ask them in. 

(Enter Benson and Brigson.) 

Brigson — Ladv^ our message is one which is quite 
unusual, and you may find us awkward in delivering it. 

Benson — Mr. Du Nair has appealed to Mr. Brigson 
to ask you to please discourage his son Donald in his 
foolish plight.' 

Lady — Very well, Mr. Brigson, you say you are 
awkward, but do the best you can — tell me. 

Brigson — I have only to say that I wish to positively 
assure you that you do yourself no credit with your 
conquest, for you could not have found a weaker prey 
than Donald Du Nair — It reminds me of a bully tak- 
ing toys from children much smaller than he. 

Lady — I have not captivated your young fool — he is 
now down in the bar-room — ^go after him. You may 
take this note to him. (She writes a note — hands it to 
Brigson.) He is quite a bore anyway — I have not en- 
couraged him. He has been following me and I have 



SOUTHERN METHODS. 83 

not been able to rid myself of him — tell him never to 
come near me again. 

Brigson — Thank you — We shall gladly deliver your 
note. 

Lady — Will you all please excuse me now — Good b5^e. 
(She goes into her room and Benson and Brigson make 
ready to leave.) 

(Curtain.) 

Scene III. 

Brigson's library. Mr. Du Nair and Mr. Brigson and 
Mrs. Brigson are seated, Jiaving cake and wine. 

Brigson — Donald has promised to do what is proper 
and he has done very well for the past month. 

Du Nair — John, you are a wonder — What is there 
that you cannot do. How on earth did you make that 
woman write that note. 

Brigson — Worked on her pride. Told her that she 
deserved little credit for her conquest. 

Jane — You are beginning to understand women, 
aren't you, John? You are no longer the timid, igno- 
rant country boy. 

Brigson — No, Jane, I have something to be proud of 
now. I am not such an abject creature as I was some 
years ago. I have a brother who is a congressman, an- 
other a remarkable chemist, another promises to become 
a good physician. I have married the most charming 
girl in this Hemisphere, I have a charming uncle-in-law. 



84 SOUTHERN METHODS. 

DuNair — But he hasn't always been, John, and you 
contributed largely towards making him what he is — 
and he appreciates it heartily my boy. 

Jane— Well "alVs well that ends well." 

The End. 



L'BRAJY OF CONGRESS 

015 973 915 6 



